Regents Business Partner of Excellence

Jul152013

On April 29, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education recognized Connors State College and the City of Muskogee Foundation as its Regents Business Partner of Excellence. Chancellor Johnson and Lt. Governor Lamb presented Connors and the Foundation with the honor at an awards ceremony at the University of Central Oklahoma. The awards are presented annually for outstanding partnerships between Oklahoma colleges and universities and local businesses and intended to cultivate higher learning environment. The City of Muskogee Foundation has provided Connors State College $300,000 in funding to develop the Muskogee Difference Healthcare Scholarship (MDHS), the largest scholarship gift in the history of the college. This program provides students who are studying nursing, pre-nursing, or allied health and residing within Muskogee County with full tuition, fees, and books.“This program between the Foundation and Connors State College has been one of the most powerful initiatives in the history of the college. Everyone wins: students get a great education, the community gets a well-prepared professional workforce and both the Foundation and the college get to fulfill their mission of making a positive difference in people’s lives,” commented Connors State College President, Dr. Tim Faltyn. “The partnership between Connors State College and the City of Muskogee Foundation, through the Muskogee Difference Healthcare Scholarship provides the financial resources to develop a localized professional workforce infrastructure and a center for healthcare excellence in Eastern Oklahoma.”With several major healthcare facilities and hospitals employing more than 3,500 medical professionals, Muskogee is quickly becoming a hub of outstanding medical services. Connors State College’s nursing program is one of the largest in the state, boasting a pass rate of the National Council Licensure Examination that exceeds state and national averages. The college also has several allied health programs through a partnership with Indian Capital Technology Center including Radiology Technician, Medical Lab Technician, and Physical Therapy Technician. These Associate Degree programs afford graduates excellent economic opportunities and encourage post-secondary education and employment of the local Muskogee workforce. MDHS Scholarship recipients are required to sign a two-year work commitment in exchange for the receipt of the scholarship. This commitment ensures that all participants have access to quality educational and degree completion opportunities while also encouraging job growth and economic development in the regional healthcare sector. “The Foundation is very proud of our partnership with Connors and the establishment of the Muskogee Difference Healthcare Scholarship. We feel like this grant is going to be one that shows some of the best outcomes and greatest long-term impact for Muskogee,” said Foundation Grants Manager D.J. Thompson.Connors will receive a $500 State Regents’ Economic Development grant that will be matched by the college and will be used to further enhance the partnership. “These are additional dollars coming to Muskogee and helping the citizens and community. We feel like our investment in the Muskogee Difference Healthcare Scholarship program leveraged an additional bonus for Muskogee,” said Thompson.For additional information about the Muskogee Difference Healthcare Scholarship visit connorsstate.edu/md or call 918.684-3421. For additional information about the City of Muskogee Foundation visit cityofmuskogeefoundation.org.